Samsung’s long-awaited launch of the Galaxy S25 range is coming up soon. As per usual, you’ll likely have three choices to buy early next year: the regular model, a slightly larger Plus-sized version and one with upgrades aplenty: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. There’s also talk of a Galaxy S25 Slim, but that’s tipped for later in the year.
Today, we’re focusing on the entry-level Samsung Galaxy S25 and the Ultra model. Just what are the key upgrades, and will it be worth paying more? Here are the biggest Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 expected differences.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 rumored specs
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (rumored) | Samsung Galaxy S25 (rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 6.9 inches | 6.36 inches |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Memory | 12GB, 16GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 1TB |
| Rear cameras | 200MP main10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom50MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom50MP ultrawide | 50MP main12MP ultrawide10MP Telephoto with 3x optical Zoom |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery size | 5,000 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Colors | Titanium Black, Titanium Blue, Titanium Gray, Titanium Silver | Navy, Silver Shadow, Icy Blue, Mint |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 rumored prices
While much of this is still speculation based on leaks, one thing we can be absolutely certain about is that the regular Galaxy S25 will be cheaper than the Ultra version.
How much more is the big question. In 2024, the regular Galaxy S24 started at $799, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra was $1,299. In an ideal world, this will remain static in 2025, but the price of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite is said to have jumped considerably, so it would be unsurprising to see a price rise for both.
Starting prices of $899 and $1,399 seem possible, but this is speculation. That said, we can be sure that the difference between the two will be around $500, so not insignificant.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 design and display
The main design difference between the two phones is screen size. Even though the regular S25’s screen is set to rise to 6.36 inches, that’s still quite a bit smaller than the rumored 6.9-inch panel on the Ultra.
It’s not just about size though. While both are expected to have a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate for smooth animations, the regular phone is likely to persist with a FHD+ resolution, while the Ultra is expected to maintain QHD+. That’ll be less noticeable, given the screen size difference, but the long and short of it is still a sharper image on the more expensive model.
In terms of design, historically the Ultra range has been a bit more boxy with sharper angles, but there are signs that it may be a bit more curvy this time around, which should make it more comfortable to hold.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 performance and special features
In day-to-day use, performance of the two phones should be pretty similar. Without any Exynos chips in the mix this time around, every Samsung Galaxy S25 phone could come with the very powerful new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, no matter where you buy it in the world.
That said, the amount of memory could still be different, which will be important if you’re planning on making heavy use of the Galaxy AI features. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to have a 16GB configuration — the first time a Samsung phone has had one since the S21 Ultra. This is likely tied to storage capacity, with the 4GB upgrade reserved for the 512GB and 1TB models.
While the regular S25 is also tipped to get 4GB more RAM than its predecessor, that will ‘only’ bring it up to 12GB. Still plenty, but less than the top configuration of Ultra.
The relative size of the two phones also means the Ultra can pack a bigger battery — 5,000mAh over 4,000mAh on the regular S25. While some of this will be eaten up by the larger screen, the Ultra will still be the model for power users.
But for some the real reason to upgrade to the Ultra model is the bundled S Pen — a neat stylus that lets users take notes and doodle on their handsets, essentially making it the successor to the Galaxy Note series. This is exclusive to the Ultra version, and while you can buy the S Pen separately, it won’t work on anything but the top-end model.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 cameras
The main reason to pay extra for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is almost certainly going to be the camera array. Galaxy S Ultra phones have consistently appeared in our list of the best camera phones, and it looks like Samsung won’t be resting on its laurels in 2025.
The quad camera array is set to be maintained, with its 200MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses for zooming flexibility. But this time, we’re promised a jump from 12MP to 50MP on the ultrawide lens, and “variable capabilities” on the telephoto lens. While this is vague, it seems that the phone’s camera may be able to change focal length on a single sensor, leading to smooth zooms.
The regular S25, however, will apparently largely remain static in terms of its camera setup, with the same triple camera layout and megapixel count as its predecessor. That is to say a 50MP main sensor, supported by a 12MP ultrawide snapper and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
There was talk of Samsung switching from the Isocell GN3 sensor to a Sony model, but this rumor hasn’t resurfaced since 2023.
The S24’s camera is no slouch, of course, so little change isn’t exactly a deal breaker. But for big photography fans, the Ultra will clearly be the way to go.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 outlook
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is set to be Samsung’s flagship non-folding phone, and has a number of key advantages over the regular S25 based on the rumors. This includes a bigger and sharper screen, S Pen functionality, a far superior camera array and (possibly) more RAM.
Whether those improvements add up to $400 to $500 of value really depends on the buyer. But if you like to make notes, take long-distance photos and value better Galaxy AI performance, it feels like the S25 Ultra will be the way to go when the phones land in January.
